Call us: (443) 956-2249
kelle@kc-communications.com
  • Blog
  • Contact
B2B Technology Copywriting – Kellé Campbell PR WriterB2B Technology Copywriting – Kellé Campbell PR WriterB2B Technology Copywriting – Kellé Campbell PR WriterB2B Technology Copywriting – Kellé Campbell PR Writer
  • Home
  • Why Kellé
  • Software & E-learning Writing
  • Content Writing
  • Portfolio
  • Testimonials

3 Ways to Create a Consistent Writing Style

    Home Resources 3 Ways to Create a Consistent Writing Style
    NextPrevious

    3 Ways to Create a Consistent Writing Style

    By B2B Tech Writer | Resources | Comments are Closed | 18 August, 2011 | 0

    Pen checking "Yes" and "No" boxes on a form If you manage the editorial process for your organization, sooner or later you’ll discover one of the facts of writing life: everyone has their own ideas about what makes up good grammar or style. If you submit copy to three different people for approval, it may come back with three different alterations. If your staff hands in writing assignments, you’ve probably found yourself editing the work for consistency.

    The English language is evolving and so grammar rules are constantly changing. Is it appendixes or appendices? Should you use capitalization and periods in bulleted/numbered lists? Do you use open or closed punctuation? And do the same rules apply no matter what you’re writing?

    Since written material becomes part of your organization’s public image, you can’t get rid of the rounds of approvals and rewrites. So how do you bring order out of stylistic chaos without working late into the night? Here are a few ideas:

    1. Suggest that the company adopt a stylebook. There are dozens of stylebooks available, and the ones listed below are a good place to start:

    • The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law (generally for journalists and public relations practitioners)
    • The Chicago Manual of Style
    • Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications
    • MLA Style Manual (Modern Language Association stylebook for scholarly, literary and academic works)
    • Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (for writers and editors in the social and behavioral sciences
    • UPI Stylebook: The Authoritative Handbook for Writers, Editors and News Directors

    2. Even the most comprehensive book cannot cover every situation that editors face. A style sheet can define your organization’s“house style” and serve as an easy reference tool in addition to or in place of a stylebook.

    In many companies, different departments are responsible for specific projects, e.g., marketing does the newsletter, business development writes proposals, and technical support prepares product documentation and manuals. These departments can get together and create a “house” style sheet for specific words, especially those pertaining to the business. Senior executives may not wish to be part of this process, but at least you’ll be able to send the document on to them with several of the problems already resolved.

    Some style sheet formats involve dividing one or two sheets of paper into sections and assigning two or more letters of the alphabet to each section. Others, like this example from The Independent magazine, use alphabetized lists. You can also include general rules concerning numbers, punctuation and formatting.

    If you use outside writers, give them a copy of your style sheet so that they know your requirements.

    3. Consistency of style applies to graphic elements as well. Create an identity manual that sets rules for logo configurations and establishes the official color palette. That way, your organization’s visual identity won’t disintegrate into a confusing jumble of images.

    So take time out of your busy schedule to decide whether it’s USA or U.S.A. In the long run, it may help you leave the office earlier.

    No tags.

    B2B Tech Writer

    More posts by B2B Tech Writer

    Related Post

    • Boost Your Business Value – Get Published!

      By admin | Comments are Closed

      Getting articles published is an excellent way to establish yourself as an expert and gain the recognition of peers, customers, and superiors. Organizations love to say they have a published writer/expert on their payroll, andRead more

    • 4 Alternatives to Press Releases

      By admin | Comments are Closed

      Press releases are considered the mainstay of public relations, but that doesn’t mean that other written materials can’t get you media exposure. If you don’t have a subject newsworthy enough  for a release, try sendingRead more

    • 4 Ways to Reduce Writing Time

      By admin | Comments are Closed

      With our hectic schedules, tactics for trimming time off or even getting started on a writing project can be invaluable. Everyone has their own preferred techniques, but here are a few I’ve learned: 1. LetRead more

    • Dodging the Homophone Bullet

      By B2B Tech Writer | 2 comments

      While editing a client’s proposal, I noticed that the program’s agenda was described as “complimenting” the public school curriculum. Recently, a friend received a flier from a public relations department offering “complementary” beverages at aRead more

    • The Case for the Inverted Pyramid

      By B2B Tech Writer | Comments are Closed

      Storytelling techniques have a lot of advocates (including me). However, some storytelling advocates suggest that  the traditional  writing structure of the inverted pyramid  is a thing of the past. In the inverted pyramid format, theRead more

    • Grammar Fix: Repairing Fused Sentences and Comma Splices

      By B2B Tech Writer | Comments are Closed

      You probably remember the terms comma splice (also called a comma fault) and fused sentence (aka a run-on sentence) from some point in English class. For those of you who need a refresher, these terms referRead more

    • Tell Your Story with Case Studies

      By B2B Tech Writer | Comments are Closed

      Case studies provide all the appeal of a good story while sharing solutions for overcoming challenges or achieving objectives. The promise of practical tips draws readers’ interest, and if they can identify with the peopleRead more

    • Solving the “Who” vs. “Whom” Mystery

      By B2B Tech Writer | Comments are Closed

      One major English grammar challenge is figuring out when to use either who or whom. A good number of professional communicators (myself included) have done fairly decent impressions of owls as they glare at their computerRead more

    NextPrevious

    Send Me a Message

      Your Name (required)

      Your Email (required)

      Phone Number

      Website Address

      Message

      Recent Posts

      • 1 June, 2022
        Comments Off on Powerful content answers the questions your prospects are asking

        Powerful content answers the questions your prospects are asking

      • 23 January, 2022
        Comments Off on 4 more ways to repurpose your webinar content

        4 more ways to repurpose your webinar content

      • 4 September, 2021
        Comments Off on How to make new content from old webinar text: 3 more repurposing ideas

        How to make new content from old webinar text: 3 more repurposing ideas

      • 21 June, 2021
        Comments Off on How your old webinar video can boost your lead generation

        How your old webinar video can boost your lead generation

      • 24 March, 2021
        Comments Off on Persuasion doesn’t just happen: How to avoid the agony of butting heads

        Persuasion doesn’t just happen: How to avoid the agony of butting heads

      • 21 February, 2021
        Comments Off on Show You Know Your Customer: Be Specific

        Show You Know Your Customer: Be Specific

      My Work

      • Quick Guide to for Learning Intervention Early Warning Indicators
      • Spartanburg Case Study
      • School Case Study
      • Twitter Backup App
      • Landing Page
      KC Communications
      Kellé Campbell is a public relations writer with more than 15 years of experience performing writing, editing, ghostwriting, and research services for clients in a variety of sectors, specializing in technology.

      Recent Posts

      • Powerful content answers the questions your prospects are asking

        The most interesting content you can create for prospects and customers is

        1 June, 2022
      • 4 more ways to repurpose your webinar content

        I’ve been sharing a variety of ways that marketers can repurpose webinar

        23 January, 2022

      Recent Tweets

      Tweets by @kcwriter

      Contact Info

      Phone Number
      (443) 956-2249
      Fax:
      (443) 288-5074
      Email Address
      kelle@kc-communications.com
      Copyright © 2023 KC Communications. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy, Disclaimer and Terms
      • Home
      • Why Kellé
      • Software & E-learning Writing
      • Content Writing
      • Portfolio
      • Testimonials
      • Blog
      • Contact
      B2B Technology Copywriting – Kellé Campbell PR Writer